Thursday, 20 September 2012

IQ84 by Haruki Murakami - Book Review

Title: 1Q84

Author: Haruki Murkami

Publisher: Harvill Secker

Publication Date: 5th April 2012

Pages: 927

Format: PaperbackGenre: Fantasy / Literary Fiction

Source: Bought Copy

The long-awaited magnum opus from Haruki Murakami, in which this revered and bestselling author gives us his hypnotically addictive, mind-bending ode to George Orwell's 1984. The year is 1984. Aomame is riding in a taxi on the expressway, in a hurry to carry out an assignment. Her work is not the kind that can be discussed in public. When they get tied up in traffic, the taxi driver suggests a bizarre 'proposal' to her. Having no other choice she agrees, but as a result of her actions she starts to feel as though she is gradually becoming detached from the real world. She has been on a top secret mission, and her next job leads her to encounter the superhuman founder of a religious cult. Meanwhile, Tengo is leading a nondescript life but wishes to become a writer. He inadvertently becomes involved in a strange disturbance that develops over a literary prize. While Aomame and Tengo impact on each other in various ways, at times by accident and at times intentionally, they come closer and closer to meeting. Eventually the two of them notice that they are indispensable to each other. Is it possible for them to ever meet in the real world? (Goodreads Synopsis)

I have long been a fan of Murakami's writing and approached this book with an eager excitement, despite the mixed reviews. Luckily, I was not disappointed.

This book captivated me from start to finish. The story was fantastical and yet totally believable and the characters were well-drawn and interesting figures.

I love Murakami's style of prose: it's always so evocative and atmospheric. It really draws you into the story, painting an unforgettable picture in your mind.

This is a long book, but I never felt that the story dragged; I was completely caught up in every moment.

If you are new to Murakami, I probably wouldn't recommend starting with this one (Kafka on the Shore is a good choice), but for those already familiar with his work, I can highly recommend this book. It was a joy to read.